Cayce Health Database

OVERVIEW OF BALDNESS

1. Physiological Considerations

Glandular insufficiency and spinal lesions (subluxations),
according to the Cayce material, are by far the most common causes of
hair loss (baldness) which may be accompanied by nail and even skin changes
(abnormal pigmentation, vitiligo, etc.). Glandular dysfunction - usually
the thyroid but the thymus and adrenals may also be involved may come
about through the diet, i.e., insufficient amounts of necessary elements
like calcium, or excesses of others like potassium. Other causes of glandular
dysfunction include insufficient circulation, stress, infection, toxic
chemicals (as found in cosmetics), general debilitation, etc.

The most commonly involved gland is the thyroid. It
seems that when some elements necessary for proper thyroid functioning
are missing, toxins which otherwise would have been eliminated are allowed
to accumulate in the system. When this happens, inflammation, congestion,
and circulatory disturbances occur, affecting the scalp and maybe the
nails and skin. It is worth noting that the thyroid to some extent controls
the circulation to the scalp, nails and skin, independent of the mechanism
described above. When such disturbances occur, the outcome is hair loss
with or without nail and skin changes, depending on the severity of the
condition.

Impaired circulation from other causes may bring about
the same effects without necessarily involving the thyroid or other glands,
but is a much less common finding. The exception is spinal subluxation,
being almost equally as frequent as glandular disturbance. It should be
noted, though, that even when spinal subluxation is the primary condition,
the glands often become involved as a result of impaired circulation through
them (the thyroid especially). Hence in a large majority of cases the
glands are either the primary or contributing cause of the condition.

In one or two instances, reference was made to prenatal
tendencies as a contributory cause, but no definite information is available
on this or on heredity.

II. Rationale of Therapy

The treatments recommended reflect the disease process
involved and may be classified as follows:

Correction of glandular dysfunction usually includes dietary advice
where deficiencies are involved. Atomidine and sometimes glandular
extracts (thyroid, adrenals, etc.) are necessary.

Osteopathy: Series of treatments to correct spinal subluxation
that may be causing circulatory, glandular and other organ system
dysfunction as well as hair loss.

Others: Treatment of underlying disorders (e.g., avoidance of stress
and toxic chemicals, treatment of infections, etc.) as well as complications
of basic disease process (e.g., spinal subluxation usually causes
widespread effects) which may contribute to or aggravate the hair
loss.

Osteopathic adjustments bring about improved circulation
to the scalp, nails and skin, thus leading to beneficial changes. When
digestive disturbances (assimilations/eliminations) are also present as
a result of spinal lesions, toxic accumulations may be substantially eliminated
or prevented in the digestive tract, further improving circulation to
involved areas. What may be less obvious is that the use of laxatives,
colonic enemas, etc., would bring about similar results through elimination
of toxins.

These few examples are based on the assumption that
the physiology described by Cayce is correct. Intuitively, it seems to
make sense to me.

III. Suggested Therapeutic Regimen

Baldness is not a problem treated by the average physician,
for there is no recommended medical treatment presently available. The
following might be considered a reasonable approach to the average patient,
from a study of the Edgar Cayce readings.

1. Correction of glandular deficiency.

Atomidine: Various programs were prescribed. There is no given
formula for arriving at dosages. One suggestion is as follows:

One drop
for seven days, rest five days
Two drops
for seven days, rest five days
Three
drops for seven days, rest five days
(May
repeat this series once or twice.)

Thyroid extract in small doses two to three times a week for a
few weeks in combination with Atomidine in severe deficiency.

Other glandular extracts (replacements), as necessary, e.g., adrenal.

Correction of mineral deficiencies and/or excesses (e.g., low calcium,
high potassium). Calcios is a good source of calcium (a layer on a
cracker taken every other day).

Dietary:

The skin of Irish potatoes cooked in Patapar paper (to preserve
active principles) supplies some essential elements for proper thyroid
function. This may be eaten three or more times a week. (Roasted
or baked is also good so long as it is not burnt.)

Other helpful hints for better thyroid activity include citrus
fruit juices - orange juice plus lemon or grapefruit juice plus
lime - in combination with Atomidine will act on the thyroid to
improve circulation to the scalp. Seafoods were recommended three
times a week. Carrots are good.

2. Osteopathy: This would be helpful if a history of spinal injury is
obtained or when other symptoms and signs warrant this. Even in the absence
of the above a few treatments would probably still be beneficial, since
circulation to the thyroid, scalp, nails, skin, etc., Will be enhanced.
The areas manipulated as well as the number of treatments should be considered
on an individual basis.

3. Local measures:

Crude oil massage to the scalp (one teaspoon) to stay on from one-half
hour to 45 minutes. Then cleanse with a 20% grain alcohol solution.
Follow this with a massage using white petroleum (Vaseline) into scalp
(not too greasy).

An alternative would be a scalp massage with pure hog lard, leaving
this on overnight after covering head with an oil cap.

Shampoo in the morning with olive oil shampoo followed by a massage
with white Vaseline cut with a little alcohol (one drop grain alcohol
to one ounce water). Either may be done once a week.

Violet ray treatment (20-25 times) to scalp, spine, scapula, umbilical
area for a total of five to ten minutes on a daily basis. Ultraviolet
ray treatments may be used instead, this done every third day, limiting
treatment to scalp and spine for three to five minutes for 20-25 treatments.

4. Other: Maintain proper elimination through the use of laxatives, colonic
enemas, massages, etc. Diathermy, vibrator, hydrotherapy, radio-active
appliance were also recommended in some instances.

A prescription is given in reading 636-1 for restoring
hair color. Dosage is half a teaspoon three times a day after meals for
ten days with five days rest periods.

Steps 1 and 3 seem to be a must, while 2 and 4 may
be utilized at the discretion of the therapist, depending on the case
being treated.

Note: The above information is not intended for self-diagnosis
or self-treatment. Please consult a qualified health care professional
for assistance in applying the information contained in the Cayce Health
Database.